Local describes something that exists or happens in your nearby area rather than far away. A local store is one you can walk or drive to in your neighborhood, not one across the country. Local news covers events in your town or region, while national news covers the entire country.

The word helps us distinguish between what's close to home and what's distant. Your local library is the one in your community. Local government refers to the mayors, city councils, and officials who make decisions for your town or county, as opposed to the state or federal government.

People often talk about supporting local businesses, meaning shops and restaurants owned by people in your community rather than large chains headquartered elsewhere. A local farmer grows food nearby, so it doesn't have to travel thousands of miles to reach your table.

Local can also be a noun that means someone who lives in an area. If you're visiting a new city and ask a local for directions, you're asking someone who lives there and knows the area well. When tourists visit your town, you're one of the locals.